1

Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire ... Utilize your expertise in all steps of completing the discipline component of contract documents.

The Sr Fire Protection Engineer will play a lead role in design, testing, and inspection of fire ... Utilize your expertise in all steps of completing the discipline component of contract documents.

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

Sr. Relay Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... Analyze protection schemes for power circuits and other power system components. * Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

What are Contract Relay Protection Engineers?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers are specialized professionals who design, test, and maintain protective relay systems for electrical power networks on a contract basis. Their main role is to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing damage from faults such as short circuits or equipment failures. Working as contractors, they may serve utilities, industrial clients, or engineering firms for specific projects or periods of time. They are responsible for relay settings, system coordination, troubleshooting, and compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Relay Protection Engineers when working with different utility clients?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers often encounter varying design standards, documentation practices, and communication protocols when partnering with different utility clients. Adapting quickly to each client's specific requirements and ensuring compliance with their protection schemes can be challenging. Additionally, balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables requires strong organizational skills. Effective collaboration with both in-house teams and client representatives is essential for successful project execution.

What is the difference between Contract Relay Protection Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectContract Relay Protection EngineerSubstation Engineer
CertificationsRelay protection certifications, electrical engineering licensesElectrical engineering licenses, substation design certifications
Work EnvironmentField and project sites, electrical substations, power plantsSubstation facilities, project planning, and design offices
Employer & IndustryPower utilities, electrical contractors, energy companiesUtility companies, engineering firms, infrastructure developers

The Contract Relay Protection Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and commissioning relay protection systems within electrical substations, ensuring system reliability. In contrast, a Substation Engineer oversees the overall design, construction, and maintenance of substations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise and certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ, with the relay protection engineer specializing in protection systems and the substation engineer managing broader substation operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Relay Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Relay Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, experience with power system protection, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Familiarity with relay coordination software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), AutoCAD, and relevant protection standards (IEEE, NERC) is essential, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often preferred. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the reliable design, installation, and maintenance of protective relay systems that safeguard electrical grids and infrastructure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:
Project Engineer I - Protection

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 142 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Possesses, understands and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of power system protection* and related SEL products.
2. Train and assist customers with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.
3. Complete and implement assigned work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.
4. Participate in the preparation of functional design specifications.
5. Prepare and maintain detailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.
6. Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
7. Understand. Create. Simplify.
8. Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline
2+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and *focus area practices and philosophies
Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications
Working knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications
Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area
Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Background check results satisfactory to SEL
Negative drug test result(s)
Preferred Qualifications
Engineer in Training certificate
Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience
Project engineering experience
Working knowledge of Vision or other project management tracking software
Focus Area = Protection
  • Protection = system protection, protective relays and their applications, settings, and testing.

Physical Requirements
None
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Possesses, understands and applies knowledge and experience of power system automation* and related SEL products to complete complex assignments.
2. Lead in training and assisting customers with the creation, design configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation of automation and/or protection systems.
3. Lead in assigning, completing and implementing work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.
4. Assist in the identification, preparation and presentation of successful proposals for SEL equipment, services, and systems.
5. Mentor and develop professional staff. May supervise as necessary.
6. Model, teach, and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
7. Understand. Create. Simplify.
8. Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
B.S. In Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline
5+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and *focus area practices and philosophies
Demonstrated knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications
Demonstrated proven knowledge of electric power system design, studies, information and communication technology and protective relay applications
Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 25% based on focus area
Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Background check results satisfactory to SEL
Negative drug test result(s)
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Engineer License or equivalent certification
Electrical utility, industrial plant, consulting engineering, or system integrator experience
Project management experience
Working knowledge of Vision or other project management tracking software
Focus Area = Automation
  • Automation = software, integration and automation, industrial controls, PLCs, industry protocols (IEC-61850, DNP, Modbus), Ethernet systems, protocol analyzers, and industry SCADA practices

Physical Requirements
None
Location
Irvine, CA - This position is located in Irvine, CA, where you will enjoy the perfect balance of city living and preserved natural spaces. Located just forty miles from Los Angeles, adjacent to the John Wayne/Orange County airport and only a short drive to the beautiful Southern California beaches. You can enjoy a variety of great shopping, entertainment, sports, and access to great schools and universities. Irvine is known as the center of Orange County, culturally diverse and has an enjoyable climate, making it the perfect location to call home.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data
Project Engineer I - $97,700 - $144,400
We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

What Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom